Henry L. "Hank" Hathaway

Ft. Myers, Florida:

Henry L. “Hank” Hathaway, 89, formerly of Lunenburg, MA and New Ipswich, NH, died September 20, 2006 at Life Care Center in S. Ft. Myers after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Monroe Maine, June 30, 1917, the son of Eugene W. and Bertha (Fisher) Hathaway, and was raised in Winterport, ME. Prior to military service he lived in Washington, DC. While in the military he was stationed for various periods of time in Japan, Alamogordo, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas as well as the Azores. After retirement from the service, he lived 30 years in Lunenburg, MA and then ten years in New Ipswich, NH. He lived the past three years in Florida.

He graduated from high school in Winterport, ME. After graduating, he attended University of ME, Oreno in 1940, where he received an associate’s degree in journalism. He then attended the US Army Flying School and Officer Training in Barksdale LA and received his multi engine certification. He attended the National Security Agency Cryptology School, Washington, DC in 1951, and the US Air Force Personnel School, Denver CO in 1952. He was a Toastmasters International of Speech graduate in 1960, and a 1966 graduate of the Lee Institute of Real Estate in Massachusetts.

Mr. Hathaway was a WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War Veteran, serving proudly as an officer and pilot in the US Air Force. In March of 1944 he was decorated with the Air Medal in recognition of his courageous service while flying over fifty missions as a bomber pilot in the Southwest Pacific during WWII. In Korea he served as a transport pilot and personnel officer. Mr. Hathaway retired from the Air Force as Major in 1966.

He had worked for a period of time for the National Security Agency in Washington, DC. After retiring from the US Air Force he worked 12 years for Foster’s Realty of Fitchburg, MA.

His life-long love of flying is reflected in the fact that he owned his own aircraft and maintained his Flight Instructor Certification up until his death. He had managed airports in Gardner, MA and Norridgewock, ME.

He was a member, and former lay pastor of the United Parish of Lunenburg, MA, (Methodist). He was a member and past president of Friendly Seniors, Lunenburg, MA, member and past secretary of the Project Council of Hillsborough County Meals on Wheels in NH. Honorary Life member of the Northern Worcester County Board of Realtors of Fitchburg, MA, and Executive Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Realtors. He was also a member of the Eastwood Club of Fitchburg, MA, the University of Maine Alumni Association, and AARP.

His military memberships include Past Commander and charter member of VFW Post 4633, Hamden ME, Past Commander and Life member of VFW Post 794, Fitchburg, MA, Past Commander and life member of American Legion Post 283, Lunenburg, MA, Past Commander and life member of AMVETS Post 29, Fitchburg, MA. He was also a member of the Italian American War Veterans, life member of Retired Officers Association, NH Chapter, B-26 Marauder Historical Society, 2nd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group Association, and the 22nd Bomb Group Association.

His aviation memberships include Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA), Aero Club of New England, and National Aero Club of America.

His fraternal memberships include, Howard Masonic Lodge #69 of Winterport, ME, Charles W. Moore Masonic Lodge of Fitchburg, MA, Past Senior Counselor of UCT Council #195, Manchester, NH, Chairman of the Executive Committee of UCT New England Grand, Past Great Ruler of Mecca Guild AMOB, member of Oriental Guild AMOB, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, FOE 747, Gardner, MA.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ruth “Bonnie” (Roberts) Hathaway of Ft. Myers FL. Two daughters, Lois Vlad, and her husband Brian of Milford, NH, and Margaret “Peg” Stempka and her husband Bob of Ft. Myers, FL. Three sons, David Hathaway and his wife Janet of Huntsville, AL, Paul Hathaway and his wife Nina of Cambridge, MA, and Michael Hathaway of Austin, TX. Seven Grandchildren, Carolyn Heller and husband David, William Scherer and wife Jennifer, Adam Hathaway, Kimberly Hathaway, Lara Hathaway, Arjuna Hathaway, Arvind Hathaway, and George Vlad. Four great grandchildren, Elizabeth Heller, Benjamin Heller, Austin Heller, and Riley Scherer. Several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the United Parish of Lunenburg, MA on October 22, 2006 at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made to Hope Hospice 9470 HealthPark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL, 33908. Telephone, 239-482-4673.

Fournier Funeral Home, 12 High Street, Greenville, NH is in charge of arrangements. To sign an on-line guest book, please go to www.fournierfh.com